The year isn’t half over yet. We know that. But since everyone starts unveiling their year-end lists in November, we figured we wouldn’t be too far out of pocket if we unveiled our favorites of the 2012 calendar year the week before Memorial Day.
Our favorite album of the year (so far) is the one on which a talented young band teamed up with a production hero of the ’90s and immersed themselves in the decade’s hard, chunky, scraping, anthemic rock music. There’s no drift at all in Cloud Nothings’ Attack On Memory — just forward drive, rendered with style and conviction. That same Clinton-era ferocity is on display in a bunch of the other albums that appear on this list. Japandroids, Screaming Females both ran with it, and so, in their own ways, did Torche and Ceremony. Other albums don’t necessarily draw on that decade’s style, but they do sprint into chaotic combat in refreshingly concrete ways: El-P, Sleigh Bells, Killer Mike, Death Grips.
But it doesn’t make too much sense to impose a narrative on this list. There’s plenty of druggy float in the albums from Beach House and Future and the Chromatics, and plenty of glamorous sheen in the records from Chairlift and Rick Ross and Kindness. The albums that appear on our list don’t really share too much in common, except this: They’re all deeply personal, idiosyncratic visions. That, and we like all of them. Check out our list below.
STEREOGUM’S TOP 25 ALBUMS OF 2012 SO FAR
25 Heems – Nehru Jackets (Greedhead)
24 Ceremony – Zoo (Matador)
23 Willis Earl Beal – Acousmatic Sorcery (Hot Charity/XL)
22 Grimes – Visions (4AD/Arbutus)
21 Kindness – World You Need A Change Of Mind (Polydor/Female Energy)
20 Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light (Fat Possum)
19 Chromatics – Kill For Love (Italians Do It Better)
18 Death Grips – The Money Store (Epic)
17 Frankie Rose – Interstellar (Slumberland)
16 Tanlines – Mixed Emotions (True Panther)
15 Torche – Harmonicraft (Volcom)
14 Lotus Plaza – Spooky Action At A Distance (Kranky)
13 Julia Holter – Ekstasis (Rvng Intl.)
12 Action Bronson & Party Supplies – Blue Chips (self-released)
11 Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music (Williams Street)
10 Future – Pluto (Epic/A1/Free Bandz)
09 Sleigh Bells – Reign Of Terror (Mom + Pop)
08 Rick Ross – Rich Forever (Maybach Music)
07 Screaming Females – Ugly (Don Giovanni)
06 El-P – Cancer For Cure (Fat Possum)
05 Beach House – Bloom (Sub Pop)
04 Japandroids – Celebration Rock (Polyvinyl)
03 Chairlift – Something (Columbia)
02 The Walkmen – Heaven (Fat Possum)
01 Cloud Nothings – Attack On Memory (Carpark)
//
Here’s that list in a more scannable format:
25 Heems – Nehru Jackets
24 Ceremony – Zoo
23 Willis Earl Beal – Acousmatic Sorcery
22 Grimes – Visions
21 Kindness – World You Need A Change Of Mind
20 Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light
19 Chromatics – Kill For Love
18 Death Grips – The Money Store
17 Frankie Rose – Interstellar
16 Tanlines – Mixed Emotions
15 Torche – Harmonicraft
14 Lotus Plaza – Spooky Action At A Distance
13 Julia Holter – Ekstasis
12 Action Bronson & Party Supplies – Blue Chips
11 Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music
10 Future – Pluto
09 Sleigh Bells – Reign Of Terror
08 Rick Ross – Rich Forever
07 Screaming Females – Ugly
06 El-P – Cancer For Cure
05 Beach House – Bloom
04 Japandroids – Celebration Rock
03 Chairlift – Something
02 The Walkmen – Heaven
01 Cloud Nothings – Attack On Memory
//
As always, coming up with the master countdown meant leaving out some personal favorites of our four staff members. Here are those…
HONORABLE MENTIONS
SCOTT
01 Sun Kil Moon – Among The Leaves
02 Wymond Miles – Under The Pale Moon
03 Field Music – Plumb
04 Moonface With Sinai – Bravery
05 Sharon Van Etten – Tramp
AMRIT
01 Mount Eerie – Clear Moon
02 Vijay Iyer – Accelerando
03 PO PO – Dope Boy Magick
04 John Talabot – ƒIN
05 The Men – Open Your Heart
TOM
01 Jack White – Blunderbuss
02 Schoolboy Q – Habits & Consequences
03 Tragedy – Darker Days Ahead
04 Killa Kyleon & Mouse – Welcome To The Fish Fry
05 Split Cranium – Split Cranium
CORBAN
01 Lil B – God’s Father
02 THEESatisfaction – awE naturalE
03 Chief Keef – Back From The Dead
04 Best Coast – The Only Place
05 Rye Rye – Go! Pop! Bang!
//
That’s a solid chunk of the year’s most notable releases to date, though obviously not all of them. Feel free to nominate those that we missed.
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Sun Kil Moon and Mount Eerie should both be in the top 25. Honorable mentions don’t do either record justice.
Others left off completely:
Perfume Genius – Put Your Back N 2 It (maybe it lost points for that spelling?)
The Men – Open Your Heart
Bowerbirds – The Clearing
Sigur Rós – Valtari
Whoops. Just noticed Amrit has The Men as an honorable mention as well.
People often compare me to Sun Kil Moon. Check out my tracks and let me know what you think!
http://www.bandcamp.com/drfeelgoodtimes.com
I think this went over people’s heads, but you get my upvote Dr. Feelgood
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COTY
If you like dr feelgood check out my interview with him about his new record at my blog http://www.livejournal.com/drfeelgoodsinterviewwithdjfreshieblogger/2474638203/may23rd2012/backslash_spelledoutinlettersthenunderscore_thisnextunderscoreisreallyanunderscore__andoneforgoodmeasure
I love you dr feelgood, but to be honest, I just wanted to position myself near the top of this comment thread, because no matter how sad it may seem, I get off on this sort of thing – daddy never loved me!
When you put it all out there like this… it’s been a pretty poor year for music so far. Not to be all Debbie Downer, just one man’s opinion.
it’s been only five months, and if the rumors are true: liars, hot chip, fiona apple, peaking lights, dirty projectors, twin shadow, yeasayer, purity ring, animal collective, tame impala, flying lotus, crystal castles, tamaryn, grizzly bear, flaming lips, darkside, mister lies, matthew dear, ariel pink, how to dress well, mazzy star, the avalanches, mgmt, xx, atoms for peace, how to destroy angels and vampire weekend are all releasing new albums. i think this is going to be the best year for music of the decade!
Very excited about most of those releases. Unfortunately, we’re talking about the year *so far*, which has, for me, been underwhelming.
Also, obligatory overlook by everyone: Andrew Bird!
Thank you! Danse Carribe is probably one of his best songs. Also, I agree with your statement about the year so far. Pretty underwhelming.
cawnt wait:)
I’ll just hold my breath for a new album by The Avalanches coming out this year…
Supposed to have been last year…
The only one you missed is DIIV’s Oshin. Nevertheless, you made a solid list, kudos.
Agreed.
I’ll have to strongly disagree with you. This has been by far my favorite year for music since probably 2009.
ditto
I think it’s been fine, nothing really incredible, but how often does an album come along and just knock you outta your socks? Once maybe twice a year, maybe?
For me, it’s been kind of up and down. At the beginning of the year, it was kind of “holy f-ck!” but in recent months, a lot of the new albums most others are excited for, I’m only okay with (i.e. The Walkmen.) If I had to throw out 25 albums in no particular order, it would be…
Beach House – Bloom
Ceremony – Zoo
Chromatics – Kill for Love
Cloud Nothings – Attack On Memory
Death Grips – The Money Store
Japandroids – Celebration Rock
Joyce Manor – Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired
Loma Prieta – I.V.
The Men – Open Your Heart
Mr. Dream – Fatherland E.P.
OFF! – OFF!
Screaming Females – Ugly
Torche – Harmonicraft
Xiu Xiu – Always
Looks like I only got to 14 that I feel sure about.
Definitely The Men.
Last year was way worse. I’m a punk/SST fan, so this has been a nice year for me so far.
Whaddup Moonface & Jack White mentions
All though not buzzy-y, I love the Father John Misty
Yes! I forgot FJM, too. Great album.
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YOU TAKE THAT BACK
You mean “He left a wonderful band (Fleet Foxes) to make good, yet different, music.”
See Fleet Foxes live and try not to melt during their delicious harmonies. TRY!
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no, this is definitely an accurate statement. fjm’s album is quite wonderful; my favorite of the year, so far, by far. it’s made even better for me by the fact that he did indeed play with what could possibly be the most boring band of the last decade, for a better part of the last decade. it’s nothing short of amazing! ; )
son lux, sigur ros ??
Personally I prefer Back From The Dead to Nehru Jackets, but otherwise, it’s a fine list.
BANG BANG
Stereogum, your ‘scannable format’ list has Heems at #20 when it should be Spiritualized. Just a heads up!
fixed! I’d thank you but your avatar says all that I need to say.
Corban,
Based on your Honorable Mentions, I’m going to ignore your profile pic and assume you wear gold sparkle leggings, tribal hoop earrings, babydoll t-shirts, and neon lipstick. Are you ok with that?
-Fuss
Yes.
I would put Death Grips, Spiritualized, The Men, and Chromatics a lot higher but otherwise this is a solid list. Attack On Memory gets better the more i listen to it, Bloom is a masterpiece, and Celebration Rock and Heaven are fantastic too. I think R.A.P. Music was the best rap album of the year over Cancer For Cure and Rich Forever though. (and Put Your Back N 2 It should have been on the list as well)
Andrew Bird gets no love.
I think Andrew Bird has been overlooked a lot since “The Mysterious Production of Eggs” because he’s been so consistently good.
Agreed. Upon repeated listens, Break it Yourself, is an awesome album.
I’d get rid of Sleigh Bells and Chairlift and include Porcelain Raft, Mount Eerie, Lemonade and Pond
Chromatics should both be WAY higher on the list too. Definitely Top 5 IMO.
Sidewalk Safari is the best song of the year, I love the Chairlift nod.
Nope.
WRONG….. “I Belong In Your Arms” is.
I’d get rid of Sleigh Bells, as well. Like, in general, I want them gone.
Kill for Love is no doubt Top 5 so far this year.
Thanks for indicating that the Lemonade album is online. I’ve been very excited to hear it due to its singles being absolutely cuckoo good. I think the Chairlift album is great but ultimately disposable like a lot of the music on this list. (I love a lot of the Frankie Rose album too, but there’s something about it that screams “ephemeral.”)
No Santigold? Really? I’m really loving “Master of My Make Believe”.
Meanwhile, while I like the new Cloud Nothings well enough, it isn’t better than either of their previous albums.
favorites so far:
1. The Men
2. Ty Segall and White Fence
3. Cloud Nothings
4. Beach House
I’m kind of bummed I can’t even get to 10 records yet this year that I really liked. I’m either broken, or this year has been weak.
oh and 5. Spiritualized
You are so incredibly right. My Top 5 is pretty much identical.
I’m noticing a severe lack of Napalm Death
Kids these days don’t have the attention span.
A severe lack of metal all around I’d say. And no K-Pop either. Stereogum is falling off.
Brandon’s gone to Pitchfork…it is what it is
Their songs are 30 seconds long at best, haha
well put together list, only one thing I would cha… hey, whats amrit doing in that emusic ad?
I am assuming the “S” key is broke which would explain the absence of “School Of Seven Bells”.
The fucking Maccabees. What’s wrong with you people.
YEAH!!!
Thank you! I thought I was losing my mind… I even got downvoted? Are Maccabees not ‘hip’ or something? Their album is fucking awesome.
They aren’t really well recognized. Loads of bad reviews, mostly from pitchfork. No one is really a big fan of Orlando Weeks’s lyrics, and I can understand that. They don’t really go anywhere. However, the musicality of the new album is excellent and at least that should be applauded.
The absence of The Macabees and Django Django shows how much British bands are ignored on American indie sites.
The Maccabees don’t deserve to be anywhere near any list to do with good music. They are the very definition of “landfill indie”.
prove it.
I should know; I used to read NME regularly.
Can’t argue too much with that. I’d have The Shins, M. Ward and Odd Future in there as well as Jack White and The Men, but I can’t say there’s anything that doesn’t deserve to be on the list.
Pretty solid list! Though, I’d personally put Beach House’s new album as no. 1 instead of Cloud Nothing’s. As awesome a change as their new album is, there’s not a skippable track on Beach House’s new album and there are a couple on Cloud Nothing’s. Also, just an honorable mention for Moonface? Once again, Spencer Krug is king of the underrated albums! Can’t wait to hear the new Japandroids as well!
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I think you mean LMFAO. And why would you put them at number 1?
I think you mean LMFAO Cloud Nothings, the rockin’-sockin’ fresh young group behind the season’s biggest hit “Attack on Party Rocking (Sexy Future/Sexy Past).”
Anyone checked out the new Menzingers album b/c I’d definitely have it way up on my list. Also, I guess High on Fire, Actress, and Pete Swanson would be my other biggest nods to things not on here but the list has some great stuff (Cloud Nothings’s a good #1 pick for my money).
Also, this just gets me even more stoked about that Japandroids records.
Menzingers and HOF, most definitely.
I love Pete Swanson, but his record was out last year and even got a little buzz then, so I can see how it wouldn’t qualify for this year’s list. (That’s not to say that Stereogum would up it even if it did.)
Bloom is my favorite so far, though honestly the year has had a slow start.
I also wasnt too crazy about Chairlift and Cloud Nothings, if they were both dropped down a few the list would be much better
Ramona Falls- Prophet
Violnes-True
White Rabbits- Heavy Metal
High On Fire- De Vermis Mysteriis
Lower Dens- Nootropics
Django Django- Django Django
I second Lower Dens.
You, my friend, hit it right on the head. Albums that people like but quit talking about. These are definitely missing, along with The Men, Au, Sleep Party People, and Bro. Stephens.
Second the Ramona Falls and White Rabbits. The new Tu Fawning record is probably my favorite thus far this year, with Ramona Falls, Cloud Nothings, and Disappears close behind.
Django Django album is awesome. I feel like a lot of people are missing it because they took it off of Spotify ha
White Rabbits- Milk Famous. Excuse me
Hey where are all the downvotes? I can read almost all the comments in this thread still.
I’ll hook this thread up with some downvotes. One minute.
Still nothing. You need to wave your magic yand harder.
It’s a slow burn, but it’ll get there. Elizabeth Schoenborn kind of stole the show with her comments down there.
I haven’t even gotten down there yet and OH ELIZABETH
I can start in with some hologram comments if you think it would help?
IT WOULD HELP
C’mon, Pop. 1280!
Oh yeah, and what about the POND album? Did you guys only hype them so that those of us who actually like that kind of music would have to stand in a huge line at SXSW?
Aren’t you that guy who made that MCA comment? Well, whatever, I agree with you on this issue. Pop. 1280 unites us all.
No, I am not the guy who made any MCA comment. Making offensive comments about the recently deceased is not my department. However, I am the guy who has always hated and will always hate Dave Matthews and Phil Collins.
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^^ this fucking guy….
Needs more metal
Besides Napalm and Black Breath hasn’t been too much awesome metal though…bummed
Horseback released a great album too–will probably make my year-end list! Check it out if you haven’t!
Dawnbringer is poised to drop one on Tuesday!
Yeah I wasn’t thrilled, Baroness kind sounds same old too. Pallbearer is really the only album I’m into this year from that realm
High on Fire!
Drudkh? “Eternal Turn of the Wheel”? best black metal in a lonnng time
Yeah, I’m really digging Bleeding Anal Corpse.
If EPs count, Daniel Rossen.
EP or not, that would probably be in my top 5-10. I think I’d put myself in the crew that thinks this year has been a little soft so far. Some big things are coming though.
Burial… that is all.
If someone releases an album this year that I like more than The Men’s Open Your Heart, I’ll be surprised and thrilled. There are certainly some acts yet to release this year that I like enough to top it, but man that album is good.
It seems that what’s been impressing people the most this year is mostly outside of my bailiwick, and that’s cool. I strongly preferred some of the albums that came out in the first five months of last year (Kaputt and Smoke Ring for My Halo are both all-timers for me), and I’ve only heard a handful of albums I dig so far this year (Japandroids, Lotus Plaza, and Mount Eerie stand out so far). I have a feeling Celebration Rock will remain at the top of my list, but I’d love to be surprised – and there’s certainly potential for that.
Great to see “bailiwick” used in a Stereogum post crania americana, I, for one, appreciate it. Can any of the editorial staff confirm if this is first time it’s ever been used here ?
Hospitality. For the song, “The Birthday’ alone, it shoulda at least cracked honorable mention (which is kinda dumb anyway when you’re only dealing with 5 months) Ya either make the top 25…or ya don’t!
Seconded, really enjoy that album. They sound fantastic live, too.
Haven’t given chairlift its due, but that is a great top 5 otherwise
What about Lambchop– Mr. M?!?
Good call, glaring omission.
I hate to get all Rubber Johnny, but I thought the Odd Future Tap Vol 2 was pretty good. I would put it on the top 25, but that’s just me.
weak
DO NOT LIKE THIS. I find this list like a 25 tracks album, but full of fillers. Where is Perfume Genius, Porcelain Raft, Lower Dens, Trust, Laurel Halo, John Talabot?
Don’t know what happened, Stereogums lists are always so good
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Oh thanks. I’m glad there’s a better link now. I’d be happy to go check out this band’s great new NOPE.
That music is appalling.
RAAHHH!! MORE POWER CHORDS!!!
Have to agree that Perfume Genius should be on here. It might even be #1 on my list as of now. Santigold is also on my top 5.
Keaton Henson’s “Dear” is a gem. At the very least, it deserves consideration. You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are might be my favorite song of the year.
Stereogum, I want you to know that I love you very much, but Chromatics should have been higher.
Johnny Jewel didn’t play enough Scrabble in the studio.
cuz he was playin’ bejeweled, lol. seriously though, that record is great.
Pallbearer – Sorrow & Extinction. Brandon’s presence is missed here.
Totally forgot about that one…good call
Scheider? As in ‘-117′ Schneider? Teach me man!
It’s all in the wrist
How is Bear in Heaven not mentioned by anyone on this entire page? A travesty.
totally agree! “Idle Heart” alone!
Agreed. A great listen all the way through.
Seriously! I am pretty baffled how it didn’t end up on Stereogum’s list, it’s easily my favorite album this year so far.
Wait a second, Death Grips are ahead of Ceremony?? Wasn’t Ceremony over Death Grips for album of the week what set Michael_ off? Now that was all for nothing, he is gonna flip when he sees this after he gets home from the gym.
thanks for the warning, i’ll get my downvote ready
Crap, it was Torche not Ceremony. My bad
You all have no idea how happy I am that Chairlift is so high up. I am in love with that album and was beginning to think that I was crazy/insane that I have that album in the top 3 as well. Good to see I’m not the only crazy one
I will never understand critics’ love for Rick Ross.
the grunt
hunh
The woo
the greatest line-up of exclamations in Rap, including the grunt, the wooo!, and that “rozay!’ shout.
some thoughts:
1. tried to listen to rick ross last week. operative word being, “tried.” shit is terrible. i’m genuinely confused as to why people think it’s good.
2. quakers, alabama shakes, polica, whirr, lushlife, suckers, simian mobile disco and ab-soul all had some pretty good 2012 releases, too.
3. nobody likes andrew bird or the shins anymore, eh? well now you’ve got me feeling all nostalgic for 2005.
The Shins record was meh. At best.
Big ups for the Quakers and Whirr. Both albums were vastly better than 85% of this list.
I’d throw Cold Specks’ “I Predict A Graceful Expulsion” and Conan’s “Monnos” on there with the Death Grips and MAYBE the Tanlines and Torche. I’m still deciding on the new High On Fire.
Polica has been totally slept on. Great record.
mostly because i’ve heard about 3/4 of these records, i can agree with this
except death grips needs to at least be somewhere in the top 5
5. Shackleton – Music for the Quiet Hour
4. Burial – Kindred EP
3. John Talabot – fIN
2. Grimes – Visions
1. Chromatics – Kill for Love
Also will make end-of-year list: Actress, Symmetry, Todd Edwards, Julia Holter, Lone, Ramona Falls, and Beach House.
Seconded re: Grimes!
Didn’t even know there was a recent Shackleton release. Thanks!
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good to see walkmen on there already but yeah, where was father john misty? best two albums of the year so far.
How is Rick Ross on this list but not Andrew Bird? Or Father John Misty or Jack White? Rick Ross would make way more sense if this was a list of “Top Rappers Who Eat Crazy Amounts of Fast Food and Are Also Rick Ross” otherwise, come on. Andrew deserves a spot.
Glad to see Julia Holter’s Ekstasis on the list, but where is Tennis’ Young & Old, Lower Dens’ Nootropics, Hospitality’s Hospitality, and Father john misty?
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I love Chairlift up so high on here. They don’t get enough credit. Also I’m starting to wonder if I’m the only one who really got into “Hairdresser Blues,” the new Hunx solo album. That’s probably in my top 5 so far this year.
And finally, has anyone else heard “6 Volts” by Fred Eaglesmith? It’s just an excellent set of country songs. Definitely my most listened to so far this year.
I liked Hairdresser Blues, but for me it kind of came down to a couple of great, great songs (“Always Forever” is just the BEST) alongside some others I didn’t like as well. So while I could see putting a few tracks from it on a year-end songs list, I don’t know that the album would make it. Curious to hear why you disagree!
Props for the civility of the discourse you’ve got going here. But I just think we disagree about the quality of non-album highlights, and the number of actual highlights. About half the album, to me, is choice as fuck (“Private Room,” “Say Goodbye Before You Leave,” “When You’re Gone,” “Your Love is Here To Stay,” “Always Forever” will all end up very high in my favorite songs of the year, I’m sure). And the other half is still strong, if not GREAT in all caps. That’s more than enough to put it in my top 5 at this point in the year.
Personal non-listed faves:
Hospitality S/T
Father John Misty “Fear Fun”
Graham Coxon A+E
Lambchop Mr. M
Daniel Rossen? Too short?
There was a new Too Short album this year!?
apparently yes:
really surprised we all haven’t heard it.
awesome, the boss still at it.
“yo screw album art, we spend the budget on the music. ait fuck it, we get a bunch of no trespassing signs for outside the studio along wit a couple pit bulls.. keep us safe. and yo man, i got bitches man, i got 8 bitches! yo hit me up!”
of Montreal??? I guess I am alone thinking that Paralytics Stalks is genius!
In other news: FUCKYEAHSCREAMINGFEMALES!
I’m with you. Paralytic Stalks is brilliant, yet no one seems to have noticed.
amen! KB took of Montreal in an awesome new direction with Paralytic Stalks
Sharon Van Etten not even in the top 25, and Sleigh *superficialheavyshit* Bells makin the top 10, 2012 is really a bad year … for Stereogum’s tastes.
SVE > Sleigh Bells, but I do think Tramp is a bit stuffy and hope she loses that so-serious production on her next album.
No Port of Morrow???? That would have been my number one.
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I’m surprised to see that Nada Surf is not included. The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy is killer.
Beach House and Perfume Genius put out the 2 best albums of the year so far.
so bland
I thinkawE naturalE and I Love You, It’s Cool are definitely some of this year’s best. But if this were my list, I’d take of C4C and Nehru.
On second thought, leave Nehru Jackets. Even though I’m not a fan of Heems, Mike Finnito’s producing is just too top notch.
Ty Segall/White Fence – Hair and Django Django – ST
This list is making me think that this year’s music has been pretty sub-par… at least we have another 7 months.
Definitely:
Tu Fawning: An Anchor
AU: Both Lights (sadly overlooked I feel)
Here We Go Magic: A Different Ship
Lower Dens: Nootropics
Dustin Wong: Dreams Say, View, Create, Shadow Leads
Nice calls on Tu Fawning and Dustin Wong.
I was starting to feel I was the only Here We Go Magic fan in the world.
Au is my favourite of the year. Pure genius.
Yay cloud nothings! Definetly my favourite album so far, with C4C in a close second
Wow the only thing more unnecessary than this list is a new Madonna album
My first thought was where’s the Birdman, so I was glad to see him mentioned in the comments. Still a good list, but I expect the second half of the year dominate.
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Never has more valuable time been spent making a Patrick Star meme
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….really?
what about “DonTitty – Get Boned”?
disappointed in you guys.
Did you guys listen to the Japandroids album via the shitty leak? I mean it’s not even released yet so I don’t know how it’s on this list.
I think the web download on Polyvinyl’s site comes up in a bit for those who purchased but other than that..
Critics have had it/been tweeting about it for at least a month.
They just put the download up on Polyvinyl’s site for anyone who preorders it. I didn’t even know there was a leak, but whatever, this turn of events is just extra icing on what is sure to be an indescribably delicious cake
One word: Lanegan
And your favorite EPs of the year thus far are…… ???
I discovered Clams Casino last year because you had it at #1 of your favorite EPs.
Hands down this year it’s Burial – Kindred EP. So, there, I helped :)
So now do we make our own Commenters List of EPS?
1. Burial – Kindred
2. Mr. Dream – Fatherland
What are some other contenders? Daniel Rossen got a mention, we like him! Anybody else rocking EPs on loop from this year??
Todd Terje – It’s the Arps
Julio Bashmore – Everyone Needs a Theme Tune
Craft Spells – Gallery (OK, this band is only repeating itself, but they’re still catchy tunes.)
Which do you take issue with, you down-voting subversive?
Personal fav was DonTitty’s “The Ted FartNugent EP”
dark and enthralling,
like a dirty d. just snuck under the wire with a new year’s day release. y’all cop that?
ringo deathstarr’s shadow ep even though it’s a terrible terrrrrible band name
OF Tape Vol. 2 beats all of these.
This list renews my faith in the existence of guitars.
Schoolboy Q. That’s the only one I’ve managed to play consistently.
fer real
Is it wrong that I think Lamar’s verse on “Blessed” is better than any verse on Section.80?
I guess sampling Portishead is too easy. Even though Quincy murders his verses on that track.
Whole album is solid.
Dr. John – Locked Down
the Dr. John album is incredible. I think the top of of this list is pretty solid
that should read top 5…
The eff would people downvote someone praising Dr. John? Do you kids know what music is?
For metal, Prong’s new killer release, Carved Into Stone. It’s phenomenal!
other albums that didnt get a mention:
Mark Lanegan – Blues Funeral
Lower Dens – NOOtropics
Locrian & Mammiffer – Bless them that curse you
Horseback – Half blood
Laurel Halo – quarantine
Pelican – ataraxia
Light Asylum
KTL – V
Burial – Kindred
Actress – RIP
Lee Ranaldo
Carter Tutti Void
somehow I miss Brandon’s metal column, this place needs the occasional darkness
thumps up for Lee Ranaldo.
and Actress
No DIAMOND RUGS?!?!?! For shame!
On a completely unoriginal note,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,two bitches.
#1 – again, Chromatics WAY too low
#2 – I’ve already declared Perfume Genius as my album o’ the year. When an almost embarassingly heterosexual 47 year old man with 5 kids is moved to tears by the tales of a young gay man it’s the truth in music we rarely see these days. BUT THAT ALBUM
Blochead
Vacationer has a rad debut out.
And that Lemonade album is killer too.
Damn how did I not hear this until now? Thanks man, they’re great!
I agree with most of the 25 albums being placed in the top 25, but the order seems all screwy to me.
In my list Death Grips, Spiritualized, and Grimes would all be much higher. And Japandroids, Chairlift and The Walkmen should be much lower.
Also Schoolboy Q’s omission, while Action Bronson and Rick Ross hold places, is all manner of riddikulus.
but what about BASED GOD?
seriously, where is #1BITCH?
My list would not include Sleigh Bells or Death Grips. Kaylen Hann describes it thusly:
“In one Japanese fishing/sea-to-table practice, it is one of the fishermen’s jobs to insert a thin bamboo piece into a fish’s anus and feed it through until it ruptures the swim bladder and breaks the air sac, ideally without harming the inside of the fish… And what a small—like, impossibly minute—space, the fish anus, to be the whole crux of one’s career/routine…It is with both mammoth, bullheaded velocity and a fish-asshole-narrow precision that Death Grips approach their preternatural blend of highly charged and viscous music.”
It’s a bamboo stick inserted into a fish’s anus. If that doesn’t describe it, then I don’t know what does.
I’m joining Peter on the downvote train for:
-Citing CMG.
-Wanting to remove Sleigh Bells (SORRY D-TitS!) and Death Grips (SORRY Michael_!)
Although I still don’t understand the bamboo stick in the fish anus comparison… I feel like we can forget about those two albums now that we have R.A.P. Music & Cancer 4 Cure.
no need to apologize to the Mr. Dontitty for speaking your mind.
I must admit, my slay bells fever has broken and all i care about now is pumping climax into my head 24/7 (PUN INTENDED).
But seriously guys, why is climax not on this list?
Ya’ll must be trippin cause the new Death Grips is straight up fiya!!!!!
Woof.
I’d say that while it hasn’t been an amazing year for music, there have been some outstanding releases in just the 5 months of the year. Japandroids, Cloud Nothings, Spiritualized, The Men, Beach House and Lotus Plaza’s albums have all been fantastic, 4.5/5 to 5/5 albums for me.
Add Titus Andronicus, No Age, another The Men album, Mission of Burma, DIIV, Tallest Man on Earth and many more to come, I think it has the potential to be one of the best years in recent memory.
step into the electronic world on some tron shit and i’ll show your pantaloons a jazzing like they’re never felt a light cycle ‘tween their legs.
High five to Amrit for giving the HM to Vijay Iyer’s Accelerando. It’s my most-played album of the year by far. If any of you kids ever think to yourselves something along the lines of “jazz musicians are so out of touch; there hasn’t been a good jazz album in 50 years,” do yourselves a favor and check out Mr. Iyer’s work.
I really like the Love, Always EP by F. Stokes. I guess you could call it conscious rap, but it’s really good. Also, can’t believe no one’s mentioned about Cursive. “A child screaming, I am Gemini!”
Has anyone ever not clicked on the “Hidden due to low comment rating?”
They’re like poops. No one has ever not looked before flushing.
Habits and Contradictions* (Correction)
Blue Chips
R.A.P. Music
In some order.
I’m surprised Royal Headache continues to get overlooked by Stereogum, especially given the retro “ferocity” love that was mentioned at the top. Easily album of the year for me.
yes! that album kills.
I love that I just got a dozen new bands from ya’ll to lend-an-ear to. Thank you cards are in the mail. You’ll find them full of chocolates and roofies!! Woo! And, to add my own two cents, am I the only one who loves the sweet Swedish country tunes of The Lion’s Roar from First Aid Kit? I hope not. I dig it. But chocolates and roofies all-a-round regardless! Woo!
Needs Sleep Party People and Porcelain Raft!!
Am I the only person who enjoyed Soko’s album?
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see
Garbage. So it’s not just a clever name.
/ Shitty Beetles,
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see
I try not to get too worked up about lists like this. But putting Future ahead of Killer Mike is the single greatest injustice in the entire recorded musical history of the known universe.
I concur. Why is Future on ANY top ANYTHING list?